How to Help Your Children with their Homework

Parents
often have a hard time stimulating their children during homework sessions, as
children are often more relaxed with their parents and tend to be fidgety and
not pay attention at home. However, there are certain steps you can take, as a
parent, to make homework easier for you and your child.

First of
all, your child needs to feel that his or her work is important to you and the
rest of the family. If they feel confident that you really care, then this will
spur them on to complete their tasks with added motivation. There are many ways
you can show your appreciation and value for their work, and this is the key to
a successful homework time.

The
Importance of a Regular Time Schedule

A regular
time span for homework is essential, as it will help your child get though the
task faster with added concentration. You should fix a time that will work well
for you and your family needs, and of course in relation to the age and
specific needs of your child.

Some
children concentrate better in the afternoons, others need to do their homework
first and then go out to play. Some children need to relax before tackling the
assignments they have been given. Choose a suitable time that will adapt to
your childs needs, but whatever you do never
leave homework to the last minute or just before bedtime.

Choose an
Appropriate Environment

The place
your child feels more comfortable to work in is not important; it could be a
desk in the bedroom, the kitchen table or an area in the living room. What is
important is that this area offers a calm environment and good lighting.
Children often like decorating their work space, with their drawings, paintings
or even plants and flowers; whatever make your child comfortable is fine.

Remove any
Distractions

During the
homework period, remove all forms of distractions should be eliminated, as a
child has enough trouble to concentrate as it is, without additional elements.
This means no television in the background, no loud music or telephone calls.
Some families may have a noise level problem because there is more than one
child in the family. If your family is a big one, then try assigning calmer
activities to all the children in your family, in order to create a quieter
environment.

Show
Interest and Provide Interesting Tools

You can
stimulate your childs interest by going to the library and choosing some
interesting books in relation with the work at school. You can discuss the work
your child has covered during the week and look for other information sources
to further stimulate his or her interest in the subject.

Make sure
you show interest in the work, by asking your child to read a story written in
class out loud, or discussing an experiment or project they have been working
on in class. You can also participate actively in the school activities, so
that you are up-to-date with the events and work that has been covered.